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ITA COSUF: 10 Years Centre of Excellence. Roland Leucker and Ben van den Horn, ITA COSUF Press Conference. Dubrovnik, May 2015 

http://bit.ly/1e3iCuh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ag65Cd9-U

Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF; Ben van den Horn, Secretary general of ITA COSUF. ITA COSUF Press Conference Dubrovnik, 26 May 2015.

Focus on Safety and Security in Tunnels during Operation

Dubrovnik/Lausanne, May 2015. ITA COSUF is the brand for world-wide exchange of know-how and information regarding safety and security of underground facilities. More than 80 members from all over the world meet every year several times in activity groups, workshops and conferences for exchange and discussion.

ITA COSUF was founded 10 years ago and is the first committee of the ITA, the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association. Since the foundation of ITA in 1974 working groups act on all topics dealing with tunnelling and related construction activities on underground space around the world. However, the topic “Safety during operation” was underrepresented. That was the main reason to found Committees which are focused on special, very important topics in the field of tunnelling and which are intended to transfer and exchange know-how. For this reason it doesn´t wonder that the very first one was the ITA Committee on Operational Safety of Underground Facilities which celebrates the 10th anniversary of foundation in 2015 in Dubrovnik (Croatia).

Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF

ITA COSUF is the Centre of Excellence consisting of approx. 80 corporate member organisations and companies from 25 countries all over the world. COSUF was founded at the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress in Istanbul 2005 following a joint initiative of eight European Research Projects which intended to improve the safety for users of tunnels. The World Road Association PIARC is also supporting ITA COSUF. Since the very first beginning COSUF is a platform for communication on operational safety and security in underground facilities. Only the best specialists in the field of tunnelling are discussing in four different activity groups about the latest developments.

As a platform for communication on operational safety and security in underground facilities ITA COSUF has a wide range of activities. To meet, exchange views and share experiences is the main issue of all 80 members around the world. ITA COSUF is absolutely a must to join for all global players in safety and security of underground facilities. Specialists from all fields of tunnelling – authorities, consultants, research, industry, contractors, safety officers and much more – join this network. Another big advantage is to point out: ITA COSUF covers all different types of underground facilities.

Ben van den Horn, Secretary general of ITA COSUF

ITA COSUF promotes safety and security by

·                fostering innovation

·                raising awareness of current and new developed safety and security issues amongst decision makers, professional end users, financers, risk managers, international forums and other stakeholders

·                supporting development of improved regulations and standards regarding safety and security of underground facilities during operation.

 

Main objectives of ITA COSUF are to

·                exchange knowledge

·                facilitate cooperation worldwide

·                support the creation of dedicated teams and groups to perform specific research or other activities

·                enhance research and development activities through combining national, European and international funding and support.

Luis Martin Gonzalez, editor in Chief of Noti.Mx and Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF

Over all, networking is the main issue for the Centre of Excellence ITA COSUF. Workshops are important means of communicating the ideas of COSUF. One workshop is open for all and the second one is internal only for ITA COSUF members sharing their opinions and knowledge. To share views and experience between the practicing professionals is the aim of the open workshop. While most workshops focus on a specific project with ground-breaking impact on safety and security purposes, some of them are organised to inform and discuss solutions from the ITA COSUF activity groups.

Beside the two annual workshops, the activity groups are the core pillars of ITA COSUF.

·                Activity Group 1: Interaction with European and International Initiatives

·                Activity Group 2: Regulations and Best Practice

·                Activity Group 3: Research and new Findings

·                Activity Group 4: European Forum for Road Tunnel Safety Officers

Joining ITA COSUF is very easy. It´s not needed to be an ITA member and for this reason ITA COSUF welcomes corporate and individual members.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ag65Cd9-U

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ITA COSUF: 10 años Centro de Excelencia. Roland Leucker y Ben van den Horn, ITA COSUF Conferencia de Prensa. Dubrovnik, Mayo 2015

http://bit.ly/1e3iCuh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ag65Cd9-U

Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF; Ben van den Horn, Secretary general of ITA COSUF. ITA COSUF Press Conference Dubrovnik, 26 May 2015.

Concentrado en Seguridad integral y Seguridad en Túneles durante la Operación

Dubrovnik / Lausana,  Mayo de 2015. ITA COSUF es la marca para el intercambio mundial de conocimientos e información en materia de seguridad y la seguridad de las instalaciones subterráneas.

Más de 80 miembros de todo el mundo se reúnen cada año varias veces en grupos de actividades, talleres y conferencias para el intercambio y la discusión.

ITA COSUF fue fundada hace 10 años y es el primer comité de la ITA, la Asociación Internacional de Túneles Espacio subterráneo. Desde la fundación de ITA en 1974, grupos de trabajo actúan sobre todos los temas relacionados con las actividades de construcción de túneles y edificación de obras en el espacio subterráneo de todo el mundo.

Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF

Sin embargo, el tema “Seguridad durante la operación” has sido poco expuesto. Esa fue la razón principal de los comités para centrarse en aspectos especiales a este respecto, muy importantes en el campo de la construcción de túneles, cuya exposición y discussón están destinados a la transferencia y el intercambio de know-how.

Por esta razón no fue extraño que el primero de todos los comités en poner de relevancia estos temas fundamentals fue el Comité del ATI sobre Seguridad Operacional de las instalaciones subterráneas, el cual celebró el 10º aniversario de la fundación en Dubrovnik (Croacia) durante el Congreso y exposición.

Ben van den Horn, Secretary general of ITA COSUF

ITA COSUF es el Centro de Excelencia consiste en aprox. 80 organizaciones miembros corporativos y empresas de 25 países de todo el mundo. COSUF fue fundada en el ITA-AITES Congreso Mundial Túnel en Estambul 2005 a raíz de una iniciativa conjunta de ocho proyectos europeos de investigación que pretende mejorar la seguridad para los usuarios de los túneles.

La Asociación Mundial de la Carretera AIPCR también está apoyando ITA COSUF. Desde el COSUF primera comenzando es una plataforma para la comunicación en la seguridad operacional y la seguridad en las instalaciones subterráneas. Sólo los mejores especialistas en el campo de la construcción de túneles están discutiendo en cuatro grupos de actividades distintas de las últimas novedades.

Como plataforma para la comunicación en la seguridad y la seguridad operativa de las instalaciones subterráneas ITA COSUF tiene una amplia gama de actividades. Para cumplir, intercambiar opiniones y compartir experiencias es el tema principal de todos los 80 miembros de todo el mundo.

El trabajo de ITA COSUF es absolutamente imprescindible para unirse a todos los actores globales en la seguridad general y la seguridad de las instalaciones subterráneas. Los especialistas de todos los campos de un túnel – las autoridades, los consultores, la investigación, la industria, los contratistas, los oficiales de seguridad y mucho más – se unen a esta red. Otra gran ventaja es señalar: ITA COSUF cubre todos los diferentes tipos de instalaciones subterráneas.

ITA COSUF promueve la seguridad y la seguridad

Principales objetivos de ITA COSUF son:

Por encima de todo, la creación de redes es el principal problema para el Centro de Excelencia ITA COSUF. Los talleres son medios importantes de comunicación de las ideas de COSUF.

Un taller está abierto para todos y la segunda es interna sólo para miembros COSUF ITA compartiendo sus opiniones y conocimientos. Para compartir opiniones y experiencias entre los profesionales que practican es el objetivo del taller abierto. Aunque la mayoría de los talleres se centran en un proyecto específico con un impacto innovador en cuestiones de seguridad y de seguridad, algunos de ellos son organizados para informar y discutir las soluciones de los grupos de actividad COSUF ITA.

Junto a los dos talleres anuales, los grupos de actividad son los pilares fundamentales de la ITA COSUF.

Luis Martin Gonzalez, editor in Chief of Noti.Mx and Dr. Roland Leucker, Chairman of ITA COSUF

Unirse a ITA COSUF es muy fácil.  ITA COSUF da la bienvenida a los miembros corporativos e individuales.

http://www.ita-cosuf.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ag65Cd9-U

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The 2015 World Tunnel Congress in Dubrovnik, a genuine success for the development of tunnelling in SEE:  More than 1.500 attendees welcomed; Dubai elected as the host of the 2018 WTC

Lausanne, 10th of June 2015

From May 22nd to 28th in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association held its 41st General Assembly along with the 2015 World Tunnel Congress, co-organised with the Croatian Association for Tunnels and Underground Structures. This international event, widely recognised among tunnelling professionals and experts, recorded more than 1.550 participants, including attendees and exhibitors. 54 Member Nations of the Association, out of 73, were present. The attention was this year focused on the promotion of tunnelling in the South-East Europe Region, represented by the 13 emissaries of its countries. Many topics have been addressed during this week, with 390 technical presentations or posters, sessions on technical innovation conducted by ITA Tech and a workshop on « Aging tunnels – safety in operation during refurbishment », at the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ITA COSUF.

The 2015 WTC also aimed at illustrating the importance of tunnelling in counteracting problems due to traffic congestion, flooding, and transportation, in order to face the climate change challenge. Such ambitions were notably asserted through the Opening Ceremony on Monday, May 25th, during which ITA’s President Soren Degn Eskesen, as well as eminent technical experts and Croatian political personalities such as Andro Vlahusic, Mayor of Dubrovnik, and Nikola Dobroslavic, Head of Dubrovnik – Neretva County, expressed the important of tunnels in urban development plans, notably in the booming Croatia. A good occasion as well for ITA to recall its 7 strategic mid-term goals, in order to develop the tunnelling industry.

2015 WTC, ITA’s General Assembly: a place to reassert ITA’s strategic plan

Last year in Brazil, in the framework of the 2014 WTC, ITA announced its strategy for 2014-2016. The Association took benefit of its 41st General Assembly on May 24th 2015, to reassert its 7 goals, that consist into:

1.         Consolidating ITA’s relations with new Member Nations (Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar…). Such objective will be concretized through a solid programme of visits and a strong support of the Association when it comes to organise Member Nation Tunnelling Events.

2.         Improving Communication with ITA’s Working Groups and Committees. In this aim, the latter regularly send status reports to the Association, according to a standard process structured by ITA. Working Groups will also be tightly involved in the preparation and the planning of ITA-CET training courses.

3.         Expanding ITA’s relations with industrial actors, thanks to an in depth and updated knowledge of the tunnelling and underground market. To meet this goal, ITA has set up a tunnel market forecast statistics programme. Every three years, visits to all existing Prime Sponsors with industry experts are also organised. Between 2014 and 2015, already 10 Prime sponsors have been visited. Besides, ITA plans to integrate 4 new Prime sponsors and 8 new supporters by 2016. For now, 3 now Prime Sponsors have decided to give support to the Association: Rio Tinto, CRCHI, Geoconsult.

4.         Encouraging further Knowledge Sharing through Education and Training. The share of expertise and good practices is a genuine strength for ITA. In this regards, since last year, the Association has organized 8 training sessions. The Association is also working to implement, on an ongoing basis, regular e-learning sessions and webinars. As well, ITA-CET has decided to send out themed newsletters twice a year, in order to intensify communication about its activities.

5.         Creating and Developing ITA Young Members Group : After the creation of the Young Member Group, ITA strives to encourage young people to participate in World Tunnel Congresses by offering them particularly attractive rates for the Dubrovnik and San Francisco WTC. The Association also tends to incite younger members to participate to regional Member Nation Events. Special events have notably been organized in UAE, Greece and in the United Kingdom

6.         Further enhancing the awareness of major stakeholders, including city governments, for tunnelling and underground space stakes.. ITA through its committee on undergrouns space ITACUS is working actively with the ISOCARP (International Association of City and Regional Planners) as well as with UN Habitat and UN ISDR.

7.         Improving Communication towards Member Nations, the industrial actors and the public. As part of its action plan, ITA launched a satisfaction survey among the stakeholders of the Association to determine overall satisfaction with the organization and solicit feedback from the membership.

The survey was performed between November 5th and December 23rd, 2014 and sent to 380 ITA members that include the 71 Member Nations, 46 working groups and Committees animateurs and chairs, 262 Affiliate Corporate Members, Supporters, Prime Sponsors and Affiliate Individual Member.

The overall results were positive, showing member agreement with ITA’s strategy and functioning. Also, the Association is viewed as a dynamic place that must be known and that is necessary for the future. One of the main conclusion is that ITA should emphasis on its goals to promote underground space use and optimize the functioning (organization and publications) of working groups and committees to reach its objectives. 

Tuesday, May 26th: the Open Session, focus on… Hydro Power, a mature technology in almost 160 countries in the world

The Open Session took place on May 25th. Different from a technical session, it aimed at initiating a dialog between experts around the world, and at sharing technology and experiences in the framework of ITA’s strategic goals. This year, the Open Session made a specific focus on Hydro power.

ITA intended to show how the exploitation of underground spaces can be a sustainable solution for hydro power use. As a matter of fact, underground space can make hydro power scheme more sustainable in regards to environment, social and economic aspects, when used in suitable settings and with clear understanding of all risks, particularly geotechnical risks. Several key international speakers attended this Open Session, and evocated concrete examples of Hydro power concepts in Croatia (notably describing the HPP Ombla multi-purpose hydroelectric project), China, Norway, Thailand, Germany and Bhutan).

The numerous interventions led to the conclusion that, by financing concepts based on renewable energy and on revenues, hydro tunnels and related structures, surge shafts, penstocks and underground powerhouses, are the most reliable long-term solutions for energy supply.  

ITACUS’ session and underground urbanism

The 2015 WTC was also the occasion for ITA’s Committee on Underground Space (ITACUS) to lead a lively session on underground urbanism, around keynotes presentations, interviews and interactions with the public, on Tuesday 26th. The urban planner and designer Elizabeth Reynolds came on purpose from London to present a publication redacted jointly by experts from ISOCARP and ITACUS.

Centred on 5 case studies on the use of underground space, such work is the result of a two-year cooperation between planners and engineers. It aims at demonstrating to planners the value of underground space as part of the urban environment. Moreover, the session permitted to identify innovative solutions to incite politicians to “tunnellise” their central urban areas and enable ambitious underground projects.

The ITACUS Steering Board Members, who were all present at the session, interacted with the public and unveiled the current trends in the underground space development, with interesting insights on the cases of Stockholm, Paris, Helsinki, and Singapore, and on cross-sector collaborations.

ITA’s General Assembly on May 27th: what’s next?

While the first General Assembly, hold on Sunday 24th and presenting its new Member Nations, was focusing on an general balance of the Association’s activity, ITA 27th of May General Assembly centred the discussions on the future perspectives of ITA’s activities.

The cities of San Francisco, in the United States, and Bergen, in Norway, will thus host the next 2016 and 2017 WTCs. Nowadays indeed, the two countries face huge underground challenges. In North America, in addition to the Alaskan Way tunnel, one can notably quote the construction or extension of metro lines planned in Seattle, and the extension of metro lines planned to Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, San Francisco or Boston.

An example that puts aside the numerous sewers and flood protection tunnels that are planned all over the country. In Norway, numerous tunnels are being settled today, while many others are still in their project phase. Also, several undersea road tunnels, such as the Ryfast and Rogfast projects, the future connection under the Oslo fjord, or tunnels for the Folo railway line, are at stake.

The General Assembly also organised the vote about the future 2018 World Tunnel Congress host. Dubai (United Arab Emirates) came out as the winner, ahead of Dehli, India… In the Gulf Cooperation Council region indeed, many metro projects are underway or planned, notably in Doha, Qatar, as well as in Ryadh, Mecca or in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the area, several drainage tunnels are planned or in construction. A railway line linking the different countries is also under consideration.

About the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association:

The International Tunneling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is a non -profit and non-governmental international organization, which aims at promoting the use of underground space as a solution to sustainable development. Founded in 1974 and operating out of Lausanne, Switzerland, ITA currently associates 73 Member Nations, 200 affiliated members, 15 Prime Sponsors and 60 supporters

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Itawtc 2015

41 General assembly and Congress of International Tunneling and Underground Space Association  ITA-AITES

See tunel

Promoting tunneling in see region

Dubrovnik, Croatia

THE INTERNATIONAL TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND ASSOCIATION :

http://bit.ly/1e3iCuh 

73 MEMBER NATIONS, 20.000 EXPERTS AROUND THE WORLD

The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is an international non-profit, non-governmental organization that promotes an improved use of underground space as a solution for sustainable development. Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, it is a community of professionals involved in the tunnelling and underground space industry made up of owners, engineers, town planners, architects, designers, both heavy construction and specialized contractors, material and equipment suppliers, lawyers, politicians, academics and researchers, economists, financiers and other stakeholders.

A) ITA’S PROFILE:

ITA currently federates 73 Member Nations, 300 Affiliate Members, including 15 Prime Sponsors and 60 supporters. It is governed by an Executive Council composed of 15 elected members hailing from various Member Nations (see Annex 1) representing a different aspect of the tunnelling community.

The President for the current 2013-2016 period is Mr. Søren Degn ESKESEN, from Denmark and the 4 Vice-Presidents are Mr. Rick P. Lovat (Canada), Mr. Tarcisio B. Celestino (Brazil), Mrs. Amanda Elioff (USA) and Mr. Daniele Peila (Italy).

One of ITA’s key strengths is to bring together more than 20,000 experts, both from the tunnelling industry and from world-class universities around the world, to share their experience during conferences and meetings organized by ITA or its Member Nations. These exchanges are beneficial to both sectors, making academic research available to the industry and giving researchers access to cutting edge technologies and projects in the field.

B) AN INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION RECOGNISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS

ITA is an international technical-based organization having Special Consultative Status with United Nations since 1987. Through it, ITA has been implicated with:

 Habitat II, the Second Unit Nations Conference on Human Settlements,

 Feasibility studies to link Europe to Africa, through the construction of a tunnel to cross the Gibraltar Straits,

 Poverty Reduction within the United Nations Development Programme.

ITA has also co-organized a seminar on “the use of underground space as an unexpected solution for promoting sustainable development”, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on December 14, 2007.

ITA has also co-organized a seminar on “the use of underground space as an unexpected solution for promoting sustainable development”, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on December 14, 2007.

As a special consultative, ITA participated and contributed to:

 The World Urban Campaign, a platform for public, private and civil society actors to elevate policies and share practical tools for sustainable urbanization.

 UN-ISDR “Making Cities Resilient Program”. During the fourth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, organized by UNISDR, ITA presented a vision for the city of the future, where underground space would be used as a solution to the challenges presented by urban growth.

 The World Urban Forum. In April 2014, ITA organized at the WUF7 side event and training sessions on underground space use.

C) ITA’S MAIN MISSIONS: PROMOTING THE TUNNELLING SECTOR’S INNOVATIONS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

ITA is the leading organization promoting the use of underground space through knowledge sharing and application of technology. Indeed, its essential mission is twofold:

 To further the exploitation of the subsurface as a solution for sustainable development;

 To encourage progresses in planning, design, construction, maintenance and safety for tunnels and underground space.

To meet this goals, ITA is operating on several mid-term actions: creating synergies on international scales, sharpening the expertise of its technicians and engineers, and releasing innovative and sustainable applications for underground space.

GATHERING INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS AROUND THE LATEST INNOVATIONS

ITA is gathering engineers, owners and other stakeholders involved in the development of underground space, such as architects, planners, authorities, economists, lawyers, insurers, financiers and politicians to share underground technology development and user feedback. The Association also supplies owners with information having to do with the best solutions available to them, with respect of both regulations and safety. Besides, thanks to its expertise, ITA pays particular attention to promote better and more cost-efficient methods for planning, geo-investigation, design, construction, operation, maintenance and safety of underground structures, through the use of new technical developments and risk management principles.

ORGANIZING REGULAR TRAININGS FOR TECHNICAL EXPERTS AND ENGINEERS

The International Tunnelling and Underground Association dedicates a whole Working Committee to education and training topics. Through workshops, worldwide academic programs and on-the-job trainings, it ensures the highest level of expertise for any technician, engineer or student willing to get access to the most innovative and up-to-date technics and applications.

HIGHLIGHTING NEW OUTSTANDING APPLICATIONS AND TECHNICS FOR UNDERGROUND SPACE

In order to answer the challenges of the 21st century in terms of demography and climate change, ITA remains in constant awareness of new technologies and sustainable applications that take full advantage of subsurface potential. This particular interest expresses itself through a large support to in-depth studies of underground alternatives to surface construction that include indirect life-cycle costs and savings, as well as social and environmental advantages.

 

D) HOW IS ITA ORGANIZED? 

Members at ITA share their expertise inside:

 4 committees: the Committee on Operational Safety of Underground Facilities (COSUF), the Committee on Education and Training, the Committee on Underground Space, and the Committee on Technologies.

 and 13 active working groups, among which:

Research

Contractual practices

Health and safety in work

Maintenance & Repair

Seismic effects

Immersed and floating tunnels

Use of Sprayed Concrete Mechanized Tunnelling

Underground Works & Environment

Long Tunnels at Great Depth

Conventional Tunnelling

Urban Problems, Underground Solutions

Life Cycle asset management

 

The International Association shares its expertise by regularly publishing reports, position papers, key lectures, available on its Corporate Website.

 

INTERVIEW OF… SØREN DEGN ESKESEN, ITA’S PRESIDENT:

“DEVELOPPING UNDERGROUND SOLUTIONS CAN HELP REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT AND PROTECT FROM LARGE-SCALE FLOODS”

 

The effects of climate change are nowadays widely visible throughout the world: river floods and marine submersions notably, are increasing tenfold. Regarding these phenomena, quite dangerous for populations and buildings, what solutions could underground infrastructures provide?

Søren Degn Eskesen: Cities around the world are challenged by rapid urbanisation, climate change and the need to become more resilient. ITA believes that underground space in urban areas can be used for meeting many challenges cities face. If done in a planned manner, the development of underground space can contribute to sustainable development of urban areas including helping them adapt to climate change effects.The solution falls in two categories.

Firstly using the underground can assist in reducing the carbon foot print that big cities today recreate. There are several options for this – by changing the transport into underground transport system using resilience energy such as metro system based on non-carbon energy.

And, also, by changing energy production into green energy such as hydro power of which the use of the underground is an integral part in providing tunnels for water transport and underground caverns for the power house.

Secondly solutions using the underground may be to create flood protection for the cities by providing tunnels for flood control either by diverting the flood water through tunnels instead of surface river which will be over flowing or by creating underground storage facilities for retention of the water during a flood. Such solutions have been used in several cities, amongst other Buenos Aires in Argentina.

 

Are Governments fully aware of the underground infrastructures’ potential, in terms of populations and buildings’ protection? More generally, is there a growing awareness among the international community in that matter?

Søren Degn Eskesen: ITA has for some years been reaching out to decision makers and urban planners to promote the use of the underground space. During our annual World Tunnel Conferences held in the period 2011 to 2013 in Helsinki, Bangkok and Geneva we have organised open sessions where the subject has been the use of the underground in a changing world. Cities everywhere are under pressure to support their growing populations, and meet their future energy and transportation needs, in far more sustainable ways. Decision makers and organisations are now talking about underground space and how to include the underground in the city planning to make the cities resilient. We as ITA support them and we are being acknowledged and being invited to activities driven by the UN global agendas. ITA was named as one of the partners in the Expert Group on Urban Drainage, set up by UN Habitat. An excellent example of this is the SMART project in Kuala Lumpur.

The UN Habitat has recently identified five basic principles on Urban Drainage and one of the five is that “Effective use of tunnelling and the underground space is appropriate where required”. Tunnelling and Underground Space is now becoming part of the UN policy. So yes the international community are aware of the matter. This is only a first step, but it is significant and it does show our work in ITA is achieving what we are set out to do.

 

In September 2014, ITA AITES participated in the New York Climate Summit to present its proposals regarding the mitigation of disturbed weather’s impacts. Has the Association succeeded in rising awareness among governments’ representatives?

Søren Degn Eskesen: ITA was represented by the Chair of our Committee on Underground Space Han Admiral and myself at the UN Climate Summit in New York in September 2014. At this historic meeting, many governments and organisations pledged their alliance combatting climate change. From this moment on, it became clear that investors were increasingly backing green projects geared towards a low carbon economy. This is caused by three reasons outlined by the speakers. Firstly it became clear that no longer is there any doubt as to the fact that climate change is changing our world and that it is being caused by human activity. Secondly that the costs of not doing anything are now outweighing the costs of doing something. The third is that governments alone are not going to change anything and involvement of the private sector is needed. That involvement is not about individual companies, but about companies willing to act together based on a common interest and on the simple fact that if they don’t act now, there soon will be no world left.

In the closing session UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moom announced a Global Geothermal Alliance in the field of Energy, which made it clear that ITA's efforts to develop underground space in a planned manner needs to continue. Other fields that ITA shall remain focussed on are Transportation and Cities. The reduction of carbon emissions and transitioning to a low carbon economy are vital and can be delivered through these fields. Tunnelling and Underground Space can play an important role in delivering solutions in these areas.

The participants acknowledged that underground space can contribute to numerous urban challenges and they now acknowledge the ITA as a global leader on tunnelling and underground space.

 

Floods and submersions are likely to increase both in number and strength within the next few years. How and with what kind of scientific and technical arguments can your industry foster greater States’ investments in underground infrastructures to limit their devastating effects?

Søren Degn Eskesen: Our industry has solutions for flood control by diverting water into tunnels to avoid floods at the surface. We have proven the solutions exist already from a number of projects. We need to spread the message across and to inform that it is cheaper, safer and resilient to provide the solutions prior to the disaster occurring. We need to convince states and government to invest to avoid the disasters. The capital is better spent on investment for disaster risk reduction rather than spending a similar amount or more in rebuilding the cities after a disaster such as flooding.

Cities everywhere are under pressure to support their growing populations, and meet their future energy and transportation needs, in far more sustainable ways in order to reduce the carbon footprint and the climate change effect. Moving people efficiently is critical to the liveability and economic success of cities. Success By investing in the underground you create room at the surface to develop the city into an economic powerhouse.

 

Currently, are there any significant ongoing construction sites aiming at reinforcing the security of populations and goods located in flood-prone areas? If any, which ones?

Søren Degn Eskesen: South East Asia is probably the area of the world where the risk of flooding is the most important. In Jakarta, capital city of Indonesia, flooding is nowadays occurring too often. Several projects to cope with immediate remediation like the tunnel that will connect the Ciliwung River in Bidaracina, in East Jakarta, with Jakarta’s East Flood Canal, East Jakarta. But for the long term an important project is the Jakarta multi-purpose tunnel, based on the example of the Kula Lumpur SMART tunnel.

After the mega flood that occured during the fall 2011 in Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) as well as the ITA Member Nation in Thailand (TUTG) proposed various solutions including tunnels to prevent such flooding. TUTG proposed the construction of a long tunnel multi-purpose from North of the capital city to the sea and BMA is reinforcing its network of drainage tunnels. The construction of such a tunnel began a few months ago. It will be a 6.4 km long tunnel and 5 m diameter.

Other projects exist in various countries and parts of the world. Even in my hometown Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, we are considering to build a tunnel which will serve as a combination of a drainage tunnel and a six lane road. At the moment the heavy congested road is at the surface following the alignment of a previous river which now runs in drainage pipes. By moving the road underground and combine it with a drainage tunnel, we will free the surface area and make room for reinstating the river at surface area and create a recreation area to the benefit of the inhabitants of the city.

 

Beyond the large-scale facilities carried out below ground level, notably for transports, more modest underground infrastructures can be set up in cities. What are those that are likely to be developed in European cities?

Søren Degn Eskesen: Besides underground facilities for water supply, waste water and utility tunnels that are most often used in our cities, we are now witnessing a new tendency: the urban construction of underground facilities for flood control and drainage. We have already seen a certain number of these types of projects being planned and initiated in many cities, such as in Copenhagen. Over there, more than 100 small projects are about to be implemented, in order to deal with heavy rain fall and sea flooding. This modest example can be applicated to many other cities in the world. That is why we urgently need to take action now and think about the way underground can be part of the solution, if we want to protect our assets from the impact of climate change.

 

In 2015, Paris will welcome the World Climate Conference, an occasion to, precisely, put climate disorders at the heart of discussions. What are the key messages ITA plans to convey at the summit?

Søren Degn Eskesen: During our work with the UN Habitat, we informed about the role underground space can play in urban drainage and disaster risk reduction. We are now part of a process that wants to bring together cities and private partners to really start projects that will do this. No more concepts, the real thing and especially in those fast growing cities that need it but have never considered it. We are challenged to come up with real solutions to solve the problems these cities are now facing.

The benefits of the urban decisions we make today will be valued by generations to come, exactly in the same way as we in our older cities see the benefit of the investment our grandfathers made such as building underground metro systems in cities like Paris, London, New York etc. Today’s urban populations are still benefiting, in their daily life, from the investments made more than 100 years ago.

ITA have never before been so close to getting the attention of the world and ensuring that tunnelling and underground space are seen as vital to meeting the biggest challenges this world has ever faced. We are committed and ITA will show leadership to carry the solutions through.

 

Before Paris, the 2015 World Tunnel Congress, settled in Dubrovnik, appears as an important reunion for tunnelling professionals. What will be the major stakes that will be discussed and debated during the WTC?

Søren Degn Eskesen: You are right. The WTC2015 is the world’s biggest forum for tunnelling and networking with many technical sessions and discussion forums. This year, we are delighted to settle this new World

Tunnel Congress in Dubrovnik, the perfect symbol of South-eastern Europe’s potentialities in terms of underground infrastructure development. We will be have in-depth discussions about what our cities will face in the coming years: rapid urbanization, city resilience and climate change, to name just a few of our challenges. This subject will be at the core of ITA Committee for Underground Space’s general meeting, entitled: “Think deep – What are we going to do to make a world of difference?".

Another strategic topic, that we will tackle in the framework of ITA’s Open Session on Tuesday, May 26th, will be hydropower. Hydropower is the world’s leading renewable energy resource and more than 159 countries around the globe are currently using it. Among them, 25 countries exclusively depend on hydropower for 90 % of their electricity. Therefore, we can see that underground structures appear fundamental for hydropower plants, whether serving for the purpose of water conveyance or for housing civil and electromechanical equipment in underground powerhouses. Our exchanges will focus on one central question: “how can the use of underground spaces in the framework of hydropower provide sustainable solutions to governments?”. These debates, the synergies we are thus creating between technical and political expertise are of outmost importance to make a common move in favour of urban sustainable development.

 

THE 2015 WTC IN DUBROVNIK: TUNNELS AND UNDERGROUND INFRASTRUCTURES TO ADDRESS THE ECONOMIC AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY IN EUROPE

SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE: WHAT PERSPECTIVES IN TERMS OF INFRASTRUCTURES?

With the constant growth of urban populations worldwide (more than 60 million inhabitants per year), the need for tunnelling and underground constructions is booming, as the following figures show. In Europe indeed, the length for operational transportation tunnels currently exceeds 15,000 km, and the global perspectives for the tunnelling industry are considerable, with a volume of 2,100 km of tunnels built in the upcoming years. In South-Eastern Europe notably, the development of infrastructures is of outmost importance for reviving economic and industrial sectors. A necessity pointed by the Regional Cooperation Council in the framework of its SEE 2020 Strategy, a regional response to the Europe 2020 plan.

THE 2015 WORLD TUNNEL CONGRESS IN DUBROVNIK:

In order to address a strong message to the international community, the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association has decided to organise its upcoming 2015 WTC in one of the most emblematic South-Eastern European countries: Croatia.

CROATIA, THE CENTER OF A BOOMING EU REGION

The SEE region is the EU region with the most expectations and plans in developing infrastructures in the next two decades in Europe. As an example and according to the Regional Cooperation Council, EU financing for transport infrastructure will reach 26 billion euros for the 2014–2020 period. Since Croatia, located in the mid-region, officially joined the EU in July 2013, it has been considered the Centre of South-East Europe. Therefore, by hosting for the very first time the 2015 WTC in Dubrovnik, ITA sets out its ambition to promote tunneling in the SEE Region.

Unique underground solutions such as city road tunnels, light rail transport system to airport, new road roundabouts and underground HPP Ombla are planned to be built in Dubrovnik, in 2015. The capital of Croatia provides an excellent technical and social setting for the World Tunnel Congress 2015 that will help further development of underground infrastructure in the future. Croatia’s hosting of 2015 WTC is supported

by the ITA Croatia’s corporate and individual members, Chamber of Civil Engineers and several Ministers who will act as full partners in preparing and organizing the Congress.

2015 WTC: A PLACE TO EXCHANGE AND TO NETWORK

The 2015 WTC will bring together public officials, designers, builders, subcontractors, engineering service firms, professors and students. Participants will also have the opportunity to exchange technical information, present new products and services and debate on the challenges of underground constructions. It will be the biggest gathering of the Croatian and international technical community, especially since the ITA’s 41th General Assembly will also be held during this event.

The congress theme will be ““Promoting Tunneling in the SEE Region” and will illustrate the importance of tunneling in counteracting problems due to traffic congestion, flooding, transportation, and the preservation of the environment but also in keeping surface areas available for other projects such as leisure activities.

1,500 PRESTIGIOUS SPEAKERS AND ATTENDEES

A number of local and international leading figures in the political as well as economic field will be present and deliver a welcoming speech at the Opening Ceremony on Monday May, 25th.

Among them, Dr. Andro Vlhahusic, Mayor of Dubrovnik and Mr. Ivo Basic, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Nikola Dobroslavic, Head of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, and Representative of the Croatian President, Mr. Soren Eskesen, President of the International Tunneling and Underground Space Association, and Dr. Davorin Kolic, President of the Croatian Association for Tunnels and Underground Structures.

Mr. Drazen Antolovic, Minister of Maritime affairs, Transport and Infrastructure will give the keynote lecture.

FOCUS ON 3 OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION: THE LYON-TURIN NEW RAILWAY AND THE BRENNER BASE TUNNEL

IN CROATIA, THE FUTURE OMBLA HPP MULTIPURPOSE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT

About 5 km far from Dubrovnik city centre lies the Rijeka Dubrovačka Bay, under which a powerful spring exists: the Ombla River Spring. This spring has the particularity to never dry out, despite a 90 day dry period. Witnessing this phenomena, experts considered it the first indication of the presence of an underground reservoir, storing water and discharging it at the spring with variable yield.

FIRST STEPS OF THE HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT: DETERMINING THE UNDERGROUND’S CHARACTERISTICS

Experts had for mission to:

 determine the hydrogeological characteristics of the area

 identify underground flow directions and possible impoundments of the reservoir

 locate every active and fossil cave conduits

 and to delineate the underground divide between the Ombla and the Zaton spring catchments.

The whole investigation confirmed that storm water penetrates the soil and generates an underground reservoir in the 600 km2 Ombla spring catchment area. Experts notably found out that the Ombla catchment area are subdivided into two typical sections:

 North of the dolomite barrier

 South of the dolomite barrier

Such division determines the hydraulic diagram of the underground reservoir behaviour. The northern part of the catchment area is built of limestone and covers about 90 % of the total catchment area. Because of the high porosity of the area, the precipitations infiltrate in the ground and create the underground reservoir.

The dolomite barrier, which is a poorly permeable rock by its hydrogeological characteristics, encloses the underground reservoir from the south. Downstream from the dolomite barrier is an area of limestone rocks which on the southern side leans against the narrow belt of dolomite rocks overthrown on impermeable flysch. The encountered limestone is characteristic for cave conduits through which the underground reservoir is emptied. The main conduit releases about 90-95 % of total Ombla River water.

These observations led them to the following balance: building a 130 m high dam would make it possible to produce power generation by creating sufficient water pressure, and to provide Dubrovnik potable water supply.

 

A TECHNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE: CREATING A DAM WITH NO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

For the Ombla Spring area is a very preserved natural park endowed with protected flora and fauna, the most essential challenge for engineers was to imagine a design concept that could lead to the construction of a 130m dam without causing environmental damage. The first solution, building a dam with a compensation basin in the bay, was quickly ruled out, owing to the irreversible effects that it may cause on the site’s natural harmony. Eventually, a highly innovative alternative emerged: settling the dam under the ground.

The idea was to:

 erect a grout curtain as an impermeable barrier,

 to plug the main conduit through with 90 % of the water goes out,

 and to use the natural rock mass as the dam body.

After the release of the positive Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIAS), the Decision of the environmental appropriateness of HPP Ombla construction was issued. In the perspective of the changes in the Croatian legislation and new EU directives, adopted in the period following the EIAS adoption, HEP supplemented environmental protection documentation regarding the possible impact of the project on the integrity and preservation objectives of natural sites – proposed by Natura 2000. This resulted in the Biodiversity Management Plan for HPP Ombla area and the Appropriate Assessment Study of HPP Ombla.

THE 68 MW HYDROPOWER PLANT HPP OMBLA: AN EXPECTED ANNUEL OUTPUT OF 225 GWH

Implemented under particularly adequate hydrogeological conditions, the Ombla HPP dam is a completely new approach of water harnessing and power generation. Completely hidden under the ground, the plant will preserve the Rijeka Dubrovača Bay’s natural ecosystem. Moreover, the underground location of the entire facility considerably reduces the construction costs. A successful implementation of this innovative

underground is likely to encourage other countries with karst areas to look into the possibility of building similar projects. Expected to produce 225 GWh per year, the Ombla HPP dam will reach a cost of 150 million euros, for a construction duration of approximately 5 years.

CONNECTING 250 MILLION PEOPLE: THE NEW RAILWAY LINE LYON-TURIN

Since 1994, the new railway line Lyon-Turin has been one of the EU’s major rail project priorities in the perspective of a trans-European rail network construction. Originally born from an agreement passed between France and Italy, the Lyon-Turin railway project takes on a genuine European dimension. Indeed, the regions located along the Mediterranean corridor constitute a major socio-economic area, representing 18 % of the total European inhabitants, and accounting for 17 % of the global European GDP.

 

EASING EXCHANGES BETWEEN NORTH-SOUTH AND EAST-WEST POPULATIONS

This project, implemented by the LTF, a subsidiary of RFF (French Rail Network) and RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana), will be one of the largest rail corridors of the European Union for freight and passengers that will ease exchanges between North-South and East-west.

Indeed, the Lyon-Turin line will cross the Mediterranean Corridor, from Spain to Italy and reach beyond the European East. This project is being with delivery scheduled for 2027. The overall cost of the project is expected to reach 24 billion euros, with a cost of 8,5 billion euros for the Lyon-Turin railway line. The European Union will finance 40 % of the project, while France and Italy respectively 25 % and 35 %.

A SOLUTION TO ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES IN THE AREA:

The Lyon-Turin cross-border line represents nearly a 200 billion euro trade. Indeed, the ambition of this project is to transfer road freight traffic to rail (up to now, only 9 % of goods traffic between France and Italy). The new railway will allow the transport of nearly 40 million tonnes per year, equivalent to 700,000 trucks per year on a rail shuttle. Consequently, this will reduce greenhouse effect by nearly a million tonnes

a year, nuisance for local people and road traffic risks, a respond to the desire of the European Commission to reduce by 50 % greenhouse gases by 2050.

Moreover, this project will benefit to travellers as Lyon and Turin will be connected in less than 2 hours versus 4 hours currently, and going to Milan from Paris will last 4 hours instead of 7 hours, as well as travelling from Milan to Barcelona will take 6: 30 hours versus 12 hours nowadays. Thanks to this considerable gain in time, passenger traffic should reach, 4.5 million people.

THE BRENNER BASE TUNNEL (BBT): THE WORLD’S LONGEST UNDERGROUND RAILWAY CONNECTION

 

The Brenner Base Tunnel (BBT) is a straight, flat railway tunnel between Austria and Italy, located in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Core Network Scandinavian – Mediterranean Corridor. One of the most important stretches of this Corridor runs through the Alps, from Munich to Verona, with the Brenner Base Tunnel as its main element. The Brenner Base Tunnel is the centrepiece of the Munich-Verona section, as it runs from Innsbruck to Fortezza, which represents 55 kilometres.

THE BRENNER BASE TUNNEL: HORIZON 2050

The project, whose global cost is estimated at 7,99 million euros (with a 50 % EU contribution), was launched in Innsbruck (Austria) in 1999, by the Austrian company Brenner Eisenbahn GmbH (BEG) and the Italian company Ferrovie dello Stato S.p.A. (FS).

Both signed an agreement to set up the European Economic Interest Grouping Brenner Basistunnel (BBT EEIG), which became in 2004 the BBT SE (the European public limited liability company Galleria di Base del Brennero - Brenner Basistunnel). After a lengthy planning phase and exploratory stage of the tunnel, construction really began in 2011. The same year, the initial headquarters located in Innsbruck (Austria) were moved to Bolzano in Italy.

At this stage of the project, seven construction sites are in use, namely Tulfes, Ampass, Sillschucht/Ahrental and Wolf on the Austrian side and Mules, Isarco and Aica on the Italian side. Up to now, 38 km of access tunnels, exploratory tunnels and the first 4 km of the main tubes have been constructed. The construction works are scheduled for completion in 2025. The tunnel will be completely operational and opened in 2026.

 

THE BBT: A REAL SOLUTION TO DECONGEST NORTH-SOUTH EUROPE

This cross-border tunnel will eliminate a major bottleneck for both the transit of goods and passengers between Austria and Italy. The Brenner Base Tunnel aims at offering efficient transport and sustainable resources in the Alps area.

Indeed, thanks to it, the journey time from Innsbruck to Bolzano will amount to just 50 minutes instead of the current 120 minutes, and travel time from Verona to Munich will take 3 hours instead of 5.5 hours. The entire route will be equipped with the latest technology of the European Rail Traffic Management System ERMTS and the European Rail Traffic Management System ETCS/level II.

The tunnel will allow the Brennerline to increase its total capacity, of which 80 % meant for freight and 20 % for passenger traffic. The diameter of the tunnel (8.1 m) will not set any restrictions in terms of gauge, which is why the tunnel can be used by most ILUs (intermodal loading unit: semitrailers, high cube containers, swap bodies).

The project construction includes green initiatives and environmental respect, such as the creation of an Environment observatory and the recycling of spoil. Specific logistical measures are also implemented to avoid congestion of traffic arteries normally used by the population and to limit, as much as possible, any nuisance effect caused by the construction site. For instance, special roads are built to transport spoil and for supply purposes. Special areas for loading and unloading are equipped with proper screened-off conveyor belts.

ANNEX : LIST OF MEMBER NATIONS 2015 Algeria,

Argentina,

Australia,

Austria,

Azerbaijan,

Belarus,

Belgium,

Bhutan,

Bolivia,

Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Brazil,

Bulgaria,

Cambodia,

Canada,

Chile,

China,

Colombia,

Costa-Rica,

Croatia,

Czech Republic,

Denmark,

Ecuador,

Egypt,

Finland,

France,

Germany,

Greece,

Guatemala

Hungary,

Iceland,

India,

Indonesia,

Iran,

Israel,

Italy,

Japan,

Kazakhstan,

Korea,

Lao PDR,

Lesotho,

Macedonia (FYROM),

Malaysia,

Mexico,

Montenegro,

Morocco,

Myanmar,

Nepal,

Norway,

Panama,

Peru,

Poland,

Portugal,

Qatar

Romania,

Russia,

Saudi Arabia,

Serbia,

Singapore,

Slovakia,

Slovenia,

South Africa,

Spain,

Sweden,

Switzerland,

Thailand,

The Netherlands,

Turkey,

Ukraine,

United Arab Emirates,

United Kingdom,

United States of America,

Venezuela,

Vietnam

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ITA COSUF: 10 years for Safety and Security in Tunnels Workshop and Anniversary at WTC in Dubrovnik/Croatia

Lausanne, 15 May 2015. ITA COSUF, the Committee on Operational Safety of Underground Facilities, is the first of four Committees of the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) and the biggest network of Tunnelling Specialists worldwide. On their annual meeting in Dubrovnik (Croatia) COSUF will celebrate its 10th anniversary, host the General Assembly and also organize the specialists workshop "Aging Tunnels – Safety in operation and during refurbishment".

10 Years for Safety and Security in Tunnels during Operation

ITA COSUF is a Centre of Excellence consisting of approx. 80 corporate member organisations and companies from 25 countries all over the world. COSUF was founded at the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress in Istanbul 2005 following a joint initiative of eight European Research Projects which intended to improve the safety for users of tunnels. The World Road Association PIARC is also supporting ITA COSUF. Since the very first beginning COSUF is a platform for communication on operational safety and security in underground facilities. Only the best specialists in the field of tunnelling are discussing in four different activity groups about the latest developments.

Workshop "Aging Tunnels" in Dubrovnik

One of the most important tools to discuss the topics of COSUF are the two workshops organized every year, one of which is only for members and one is open to all public. "Aging Tunnels – Safety in operation and during refurbishment" is a one-day workshop with presenters from all over Europe showing case studies, new technologies and new approaches dealing with the subject. Every tunnel owner has one main focus: How to guarantee user safety, structural reliability and security during tunnel operation. In the past 15 years comprehensive research has been done to provide decision-makers with sophisticated approaches and a steadily growing set of infrastructure and operational safety measures to make tunnels safer. With increasing aging infrastructure, safety upgrade and refurbishment during operation becomes more and more important. For this reason, the workshop tackles risk levels, common problems during operation and will as well present possible solutions.

ITA COSUF Award 2015

As a highlight of the workshop, the ITA COSUF Award 2015 will be presented to a young tunnelling researcher or professional. Awarded for the first time in 2009, the competition to win this prestigious price is increasing. Students, young professionals or researchers not older than 35 years are the applicants of the COSUF Award. The winner has to complete a research work in theory or in practice in the field of operational safety or security of underground facilities in the last 2 years. During the plenary session of the workshop the winner will present his/her own work. The prize includes the award certificate, travel and accomodation costs to attend the COSUF award ceremony and a handsome sum of 1,000 Euro.

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ITA COSUF Workshop "Aging Tunnels – Safety in operation and during refurbishment ", 26 May 2015, Dubrovnik

14 May 2015

User safety, structural reliability and security during tunnel operation are clearly a part of the main focus of each tunnel owner. For tackling all the corresponding questions lots of research has been done during the past 15 years, providing decision-makers with sophisticated approaches and a steadily growing set of infrastructure and operational safety measures to make our tunnels a safer environment. Since a major part of our infrastructure is aging, the refurbishment and safety upgrading of the existing building stock becomes more and more the center of attention. Some imminent questions are usually brought-up:

•How can one rehabilitate a tunnel and keep up the availability of the infrastructure?

•What about risk levels during rehabilitation? Are they possibly increasing?

•Is safety during rehabilitation only a matter of working space safety or are there lingering problems that were not part of past risk assessments of the tunnel?

•Are our safety systems safe enough to deal with incidents during rehabilitation works?

•Is there any measure for a temporary upgrade of tunnel system’s safety?

These and others questions will be tackled during the ITA-COSUF workshop which is especially devoted to the safe operation of underground facilities in times of rehabilitation and refurbishment. Speakers from all over Europe will show case studies, new technologies and new approaches.

The workshop is endorsed by the European research project ROBO-SPECT – linked with ITA-COSUF Activity Group 3 ”Research and New Findings”.

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